--More parts to come later as needed (no other parts needed right now)

This is my very first install. The car has the BOSE Premium audio system with 6 disc changer in the armrest. Using the iSimple TranzIt, I'll be able to retain the factory HU mount and full radio and CD (including 6 disc changer) functions. Looking forward to any tips, tricks, and recommendations. I will also make sure to post photos of my build as it progresses. OS will be Windows MCE 2005 stripped to bare basics leaving media center functions. I will also be testing LinuxMCE as a possible alternative. After having tested all the currently supported FE's, I have considered RideRunner. Only downside I see is that when switching from DVD or MP3 to GPS, it splits the screen. Not available or practical with only a single monitor.

Parts marked Received arrived by April 2. Parts marked Ordered will be received by April 8.

04-04-2010, 12:49 AM

secret52

4 Attachment(s)

The Car:

04-04-2010, 12:56 AM

secret52

7 Attachment(s)

The VoomPC-2 and Monitor:

04-04-2010, 01:14 AM

secret52

Don't mind the pillow the parts are sitting on. I grabbed the first item I could find to prop everything up to take the photos.

Inside the PC, I had to wrap ALL the wires to allow for easier management and better airflow. On the back of the PC, you can see some wires wrapped with black tape. Those are extra wires that don't connect inside the PC and are a waste. You'll also notice the 3 main wires: Red (battery positive), White (ignition), and Black (ground). Keeping with the same color scheme, I picked up 30 feet of each in solid 14-gauge. Unfortunately I wasn't thinking when I purchased the additional wires. Since the battery is under the rear seat and the PC is going in the trunk, I will only need a little over half of the white and less than 10 feet of the red and black. Always good to have extra though should I decide to move the PC to a different spot in the car.

In the picture of the cables, the top one has the power, 2 RCA video, and a single RCA audio connection for the monitor. I have the option of using a cigarette adapter to power it, or I can use the 18-gauge wires. My choice is the wires as I can easily connect it to the wires for the cigarette lighter next to the ash tray when I remove it for the USB hub. This will make wiring simple and able to go back stock without any additional connections leftover later.

More pictures to come once the install begins.

04-04-2010, 10:50 AM

secret52

Well, went out to start the wiring install today and ran into a small problem. The switch for the fuel door is sticking allowing the battery to drain. So it'll be going back to the shop for a couple days to be fixed. And to make sure there's no other problems, also replacing the solenoid and wiring for the fuel door release.
Here's a breakdown of total cost so far:

Car: $2500
Repairs: $700
PC: $867.37

Grand Total: $4067.37

Not a bad deal. Updates coming as the ever delaying install progresses.

04-04-2010, 12:01 PM

HiJackZX1

Looking nice. I was actually going to buy one of those when i was younger, but everyone told me they arent very friendly with gas so I went with a Dodge Shadow, which I loved. That started my love for Dodge cars. I then bought a Ford, but once I had the chance I went back to Dodge.

I see you bought the VM70, I cant wait to see what you do with this screen. Its so easy to work with because of the headrest cover.

04-04-2010, 04:32 PM

secret52

6 Attachment(s)

ZX1Cruiser, I got my monitor from mini-box. I didn't know until now what monitor it was. I'm using the desktop mount with the doublestick tape that's on it to mount it on top of the dash. The car actually gets great gas mileage for being a 32 valve V8. Before all the work was done to it, my mom was able to get between 24 and 32 mpg. Haven't check the mileage lately. It costs me less to fill it than my dad's 1994 Ranger XLT. That only gets about 16 on a good day.

Well, I decided to take more photos of the car today.
Photos in order:
1. whole trunk with my new compressor
2. PC mount with cover closed
3. PC mount with cover open
4. clear view of the factory HU
5. the ashtray to become the USB hub
6. under the center console upfront

04-04-2010, 07:30 PM

HiJackZX1

Oh you bought yours from Mini-box.... I buy mine from short-circuit.com. They are the cheapest. Did Mini-box at least give you the headrest cover? I think it will work out better for you. Here is a link of the same exact car with the screen installed. The person just didnt finish the bezel yet. From the picture its just way easier with the headrest cover.

Mine came with the headrest mount too. How much was yours? Mine was $145 plus shipping. Took about 5 days to arrive. How long ago did you start your build and install? Have you decided what OS and FE you'll be using?
Out of sight, out of mind exactly. I also figured rather than tapping multiple points for power, I'll run a terminal strip from the batter into the trunk and connect the monitor and pc to that for power. I will still be running the ignition wire from the pc to the front though as required for the power board to work properly.
This will be a challenging project as I'll be adding a Code 3 siren and emergency lights later as I'm a volunteer firefighter.

04-04-2010, 07:54 PM

HiJackZX1

Quote:

Originally Posted by secret52

Mine came with the headrest mount too. How much was yours? Mine was $145 plus shipping. Took about 5 days to arrive. How long ago did you start your build and install? Have you decided what OS and FE you'll be using?
Out of sight, out of mind exactly. I also figured rather than tapping multiple points for power, I'll run a terminal strip from the batter into the trunk and connect the monitor and pc to that for power. I will still be running the ignition wire from the pc to the front though as required for the power board to work properly.
This will be a challenging project as I'll be adding a Code 3 siren and emergency lights later as I'm a volunteer firefighter.

Its $145.00 also, but with free shipping. All the company sells is products from the same screen manufaturer. They are fast and the customer service is excellent.

Here is the shocker but I am going on 3 years with my install. Its because mine is beast and I'm trying to integrate 7 PC units into the car. Started as one unit then someone put the idea into my head to also have a PC for each seat.

For the Main PC, I am going with Windows 7. It has a feature called Hybrid Sleep which will put the PC to sleep, but if the battery drops below recommended amounts, it puts the PC into hibernation to save battery power. The benefit is that with hybrid sleep the PC will come on instantly, just like a head unit system. If the battery goes to low, then the PC will boot but boot back up where you left off.

Front end, I am using Centrafuse 3. Its very easy to use, a decent amount of plugins for it. What is nice is that you have customer support because it is a pay product. Also because I am running so many screens (7 screens, 1 per seat and a 19 inch flipdown), CF is able to work with all of them, because it has separate controls for the rear. Also has dual zone audio, so if people in the back want to watch a movie while I listen to music, they just plug in headphones.

I don't think the lighting will be that hard. If you can successfully install a Car PC, then you'll be able to do the lighting with your eyes closed.